No need for PGMA to take leave of absence

MANILA, March 29 – There is no need for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to take a leave of absence in the wake of the medical confinement of First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo.

Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza today said the President was governing the affairs of the state from the hospital suite of her husband.

There is no need for her to take a leave of absence. She has just transferred office  Mendoza said during a Malacanang press briefing, in reaction to suggestions that the Chief Executive take time off from her duties to fully attend to the First Gentleman who had been admitted to St. Lukes hospital in Taguig for his heart ailment.

Mendoza said that while watching over the First Gentleman, governance remained foremost in the mind of the President as she calls everybody whenever there are important activities.

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Raoul Victorino said that taking a leave of absence was a matter solely for the Presidents judgment.  It is a presidential prerogative,  he added, pointing out that there was no legal basis to force the President to do that.

She is President and we have only one President, Victorino said.

Accompanied by Deputy Spokesperson Gary Olivar, Ambassador Delia Domingo Albert and Victorino, Mendoza said the President had instructed the Philippine National Police (PNP) and The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) to ensure safety provisions for travelers this Holy week.

As to the scheduled foreign trips of President Arroyo next month, Mendoza said there have been no word yet on a possible cancellation. (PNA)